Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Black V2 mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between two high-quality linear switches. The Coral switch stands out with its crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, providing a sophisticated typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch beloved by the community for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, but the Coral switch is described as 'silky' while the Ink Black V2 is characterized as 'bassy', 'chirpy', 'mild', and 'polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral's housing materials, polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, offer a unique combination of sharp and crisp sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing creates a higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, perfect for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. This dual housing setup provides a balanced typing experience with a range of sound options.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2's housing consists of a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom. This blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While similar in some aspects to the Coral's polycarbonate top housing, the INK blend offers a unique sound that is not overly sharp but still satisfying to type on. The consistency of the INK blend throughout the housing provides a cohesive sound experience, without the variance between top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Ink Black V2 housing materials offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Coral's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a variety of tones for a dynamic typing experience, with the top housing influencing key release sound and the bottom housing affecting bottom-out sound. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend creates a consistent sound profile throughout, offering a clacky and satisfying typing experience. While each switch has its own unique characteristics, both ultimately aim to enhance the overall typing feel and sound for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option. The Jerrzi Coral requires 40 grams of actuation force, while the Ink Black V2 demands 60 grams. The bottom out force for the Coral is unknown, whereas the Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Despite the difference in weight, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Coral for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial keystroke might opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Coral offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, with the Coral being the shorter option and the Ink Black V2 offering a slightly longer distance for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched resonance, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch also features a low-pitched sound profile but with an added bassy quality and a unique chirpy element that sets it apart. Both switches provide a rich and deep sound experience, ensuring an enjoyable auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Jerrzi Coral switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall comfort during use. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild typing experience, striking a balance between gentle key presses and a polished, refined finish for smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing feel, with the Coral focusing on exceptional smoothness and the Ink Black V2 offering a comfortable middle-ground approach suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch stands out for its crisp typing feel and low-pitched resonance, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch excels in providing a smooth downstroke, rich clack, and a unique chirpy sound. Despite their differences in sound and feel, both switches are designed to offer a delightful typing experience with nuanced sophistication and stellar performance. Ultimately, choosing between the Coral and Ink Black V2 switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a crisp typing feel, the Coral may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Ink Black V2 could be the better option. Consider your personal preferences and prioritize what features matter most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your individual typing style and preferences.
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